Amidst the chaos of academics and high school in general, one thing remains steady for sophomores Sophia Vargas and Hendrix Hoffa: each other. The couple, who have been dating for almost eight months, now share the spotlight as this year’s sophomore representatives on the OPHS Homecoming court.
However, while it may seem that their relationship is relatively new, that is far from the truth. The pair first met in elementary school, forming a relationship that would eventually spark into something more in later years.
“[Before dating, we’ve known each other] since kindergarten,” Hoffa said.
On top of knowing each other since their younger years, this is not the first time that Vargas and Hendrix have dated. In fact, Vargas shared that one of her favorite memories of them was when they were in the sweet stages of an early relationship back in elementary school.
“In fourth grade when we were first dating, because we dated back in fourth and fifth grade, we would send each other a bunch of heart emojis in paragraphs and paragraphs, and that was all we sent,” Vargas said.
Although their elementary school relationship didn’t last very long, the two found themselves drawn back to each other years later, this time even more emotionally mature and committed to each other than before.
Hoffa describes Vargas as “caring, beautiful, and smart,” while Vargas describes him as “funny, handsome, and loving.”
For Vargas and Hoffa, the nomination did not completely come as a surprise. While campaigning may seem rather stressful for some, it came easily for Hoffa.
“I just told people to vote for us,” Hoffa said.
On the other hand, Vargas believes that their classmates’ votes were the result of the admiration their classmates have for them as a couple.
“I think people saw how awesome [of a couple] we were and just decided to vote for us,” Vargas said.
Outside of their relationship, both individuals fulfill their busy lives by pursuing their own interests and passions. Vargas, a varsity cheerleader, spends much of her time practicing or supporting OPHS athletics on the track. When she’s not cheering for a team on the sidelines, Vargas can be seen embracing her creative side.
“I like to paint and color,” Vargas said.
Hoffa is equally as busy, with sports and athletics occupying much of his free time.
“I like to play sports, [specifically] basketball and volleyball,” Hoffa said. He is currently on the JV boys basketball and volleyball teams at OPHS.
However, despite being involved in various hobbies and extracurriculars, the couple still makes time for each other and prioritizes their relationship.
Undoubtedly, one of the best parts about Homecoming dance is the adorable signs and Homecoming proposals that come with it. Hoffa chose to make this experience extra memorable and personable for Vargas by taking inspiration from her favorite musical.
“He came to my house with flowers and a sign that said lyrics from ‘Hamilton’ on it, and he met my extended family,” Vargas said.
For many, the idea of meeting the entire family may seem daunting. However, when asked if Hoffa was nervous, he responded with a simple “no.”
As the Homecoming dance nears its arrival, Vargas and Hoffa are figuring out their plans for the special evening.
“[Before the Homecoming dance], we’re probably going to get dinner together and maybe some dessert after,” Vargas said.
From starting off their relationship with seemingly endless heart emojis in elementary school to now representing their class as the sophomore Homecoming representatives, Vargas and Hoffa have certainly made it far as a couple, and surpassed their elementary school relationship dreams.
This article is part of a larger collection of stories covering the 2025-2026 Homecoming court. Check out the other nominees on our website.
